Is it inappropriate to let children wear make-up, or just a bit of innocent fun?

From celebrity offspring to Irish dance competitions, it’s not uncommon to see children trying on make-up. But where is the line between play, harmless experimentation and sexualising children or letting them grow up too fast?

Playing with makeup can be fun, but needs to be age-appropriate and only used in the right setting. Photo: Getty

Arlene Harris

With millions of followers on social media, Khloe Kardashian was subject to criticism last week when she posted photos of her six-year-old daughter True wearing a full face of make-up. The youngster was attending a dance recital with her cousins Chicago (6) and Dream (7), sporting winged eyeliner and lipstick with their colourful costumes. But, although wearing make-up during a dance performance is not uncommon, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star was called out online for her “sad” stance.

The reality TV star was unruffled, and quick to point out that the girls’ look was not the norm for them. “Obviously, none of our girls wear make-up like this regularly,” she said in a social media post. “This was for the recital only. They are beautiful just as they are. Yesterday was super special. Obvi, I would hope no one would do this normally to a six-year-old.”